Car
Seats and Beds
In addition to the mere practicalities of restraining your dog in
your vehicle, there are a number of products available that can
help accomplish this while at the same time increasing your dog’s
comfort and enjoyment of the experience of riding with you.
These
products include:
Dog
Car Seats
For smaller dogs, there are several designs of car booster seats
that will provide a higher platform, allowing the dog to be restrained,
while being able to look out the window, something all dogs enjoy!
There is a type of car seat that fits over the console next to the
driver, suitable for a small dog that needs to be kept close by
and yet still be restrained. For larger dogs, there is a thick pad
that fits across the back bench seat of a car, allowing the dog
to see out the window even while fully reclined. There is even one
model of dog car seat that will accommodate two small dogs, so if
you have more than one pet, they can be seated together while riding
with you.
Dog Car Beds
Simpler than the car seats, a dog car bed is often just a thick
pad for the dog to lie on, either on the car seat, or in the back
of the van or SUV, fitting either the whole space, or sized for
a crate. Some of these are fold-up types that you can easily remove
and store. Others are shaped beds with sides, similar to what you
might use at home, that will help your dog feel more secure. However,
unlike your dog’s bed at home, dog car beds often have openings
to accommodate seat belts for securing your dog.
Hammocks
There is another type of dog car bed that is essentially a hammock,
which hangs from the top back of the front seat(s) of the vehicle,
passes over and above the floor area behind, and is then fastened
to the top of the back seat, creating a cozy and comfortable place
for your dog to lay or stand. There are openings through which seat
belts can pass, so that your dog can be restrained while using the
hammock.
